I wrote briefly about how the BBC documentary Pedigree Dogs exposed helped me realize that Dylan had SM. It was a very kind gesture on the part of Norma Inglis who writes the Breed Notes to add my story despite our ups and downs. It's in the paper now or you can see it online here: (near the end)

http://www.dogworld.co.uk/Breeds/BreedNotes/48-CAV

diddy

28th November 2008, 12:15 PM

Well done Pauline.

It was through watching this same programe that we realised our elderley shih tzu had shown some symptoms of SM since we first got him at 6 months.

Sadly he had been put to sleep a few months before aged 14. If we knew then what we know now, he wouldn't necessarily have lived much longer, but he would at least have been better understood, and any pain he was expert as masking would have been alleviated.

You did really well to get your point across that this programe, in actually showing the symptoms, helped educate the public, and from then on we pet owners knew just what to look for.

brotymo

28th November 2008, 06:23 PM

well said, Pauline. You and Dylan have been great spokes"persons" for this condition and have put a face to it instead of just a list of symptoms.

Margaret C

28th November 2008, 07:43 PM

Well done Pauline.

It was through watching this same programe that we realised our elderley shih tzu had shown some symptoms of SM since we first got him at 6 months.

Sadly he had been put to sleep a few months before aged 14. If we knew then what we know now, he wouldn't necessarily have lived much longer, but he would at least have been better understood, and any pain he was expert as masking would have been alleviated.

You did really well to get your point across that this programe, in actually showing the symptoms, helped educate the public, and from then on we pet owners knew just what to look for.

I have just read Beverley Cuddy's Blog on the Dogs Today website.
The Pedigree Dogs Exposed documentary has been nominated for a top award.

"Groundbreaking TV documentary Pedigree Dogs Exposed has been shortlisted for Documentary of Year at the Broadcast Awards which will be announced at the Grosvenor in January.

Congratulations to Jemima and all the team at Passionate Productions."

Margaret C

*Pauline*

29th November 2008, 12:58 AM

That's great news Margaret.

I've just noticed my text has been slightly edited from,

"Dylan had two other issues, firstly inflamed ears which is often attributed to allergies, followed by conjunctivitis."

To,

"Dylan had two other issues – inflamed ears that are often attributed to allergies and conjunctivitis."

He didn't have conjunctivitis and I didn't notice, this was 2 or more weeks after the ears.

Jasperxxgabby

29th November 2008, 01:24 AM

Well done Pauline, yes you have had your ups and downs on Dog World (to put it mildly) and it was nice of Norma Inglis to include your side of the story. Just seen your correction on Dog World.
I think you are doing a great job of sharing Dylans story and hopefully making more people aware of SM symptoms, even when you get knocked for six you still voice your opinions :thmbsup:.

*Pauline*

29th November 2008, 01:33 AM

Well done Pauline, yes you have had your ups and downs on Dog World (to put it mildly) and it was nice of Norma Inglis to include your side of the story. Just seen your correction on Dog World.
I think you are doing a great job of sharing Dylans story and hopefully making more people aware of SM symptoms, even when you get knocked for six you still voice your opinions :thmbsup:.

What I meant was Norma and I had had our ups and downs, so it's especially nice of her to give me a voice. :)

hbmama

29th November 2008, 05:33 AM

Well done Pauline! Your article was clear, concise and to the point, and gives a voice to affected Cavaliers everywhere. This information will hopefully lead to improved breeding protocols for future generations of our beloved breed.